Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag reveals his reason why he made Kobbie Mainoo starts for Manchester United against Everton

On Sunday, Man United plays Everton in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag has talked about why he chose the team he did.

Young player Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United got his first Premier League start today because Erik ten Hag thinks he is fully fit.

Ten Hag told Mainoo in the summer that he would be on the first team for the season. Despite getting hurt during the pre-season tour of the United States, he was the tour’s biggest star.

Ten Hag told Mainoo that he would get more chances once he got fit again, and he has been put in the starting lineup to play Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

United’s Mainoo will play his first league game as a starter. He will play in the middle of the field with Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

Before the game at Goodison, Ten Hag was asked about Mainoo. He told MUTV, “That’s always our approach: if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.” He played in preseason, but got hurt. He’s back now, and it’s been a long time.

“But we prepared him well, he’s played a couple of games in the last weeks and he’s ready to play.”

Ten Hag also talked about Luke Shaw and the game: “It’s great that he’s back because he adds something to the team.” Someone like him makes other players feel good, and they can build on that. That’s helpful, and he can play from the back, which is good for strong defense.

“We have to match their energy, and we know it will be tough because of the points deduction.” Their fans will be rooting for them, so we need to play our game and make it our game.

“We can’t wait for them, we can’t be reactive, we have to be proactive and we want to dominate in and out of possession.”